Health issues are more common than you may think among college students. Here are some of the most common health concerns you may experience in college and what you can do about them.
Many students experience mental health challenges in college, whether it鈥檚 related to stress, anxiety or depression. Increased responsibilities, busy schedules, changes in routine and other personal circumstances can all impact mental health in different ways.
If you鈥檙e struggling with your mental health, it鈥檚 important to know that resources are available to help you cope and feel better.
Here are a few to check out:
Mental health workshops: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers free weekly workshops to help students address anxiety, depression, stress, mindfulness and more.
Peer Wellness Coaching: Sometimes the best advice comes from other Buffs. That鈥檚 where peer wellness coaches come in. You can meet with a trained student to talk through things and get advice about time management, academics, test prep, relationships and more.
Let鈥檚 Talk: Talking through challenges can be a great way to gain insight, come up with a game plan and connect with resources. CAPS offers free drop-in hours as part of their Let鈥檚 Talk program where you can meet informally with a counselor for free to chat through a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression.
Academi鈥�cLiveCare: Students can access free, virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments online through AcademicLiveCare. This service is available to all students, regardless of your insurance plan.
Acupuncture and ear seeding: Did you know acupuncture can be used to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression? The Collegiate Recovery Community offers free ear seeding events every other Wednesday throughout the semester.
WellTrack: WellTrack is a free interactive and self-guided app that can help you identify, understand and address issues like stress, anxiety and/or depression.
Getting enough sleep can be tricky in college. Work, classes, extracurriculars, exams and social events can all impact how much (or how little) rest we get. With everything going on, it鈥檚 important to remind yourself that sleep plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. In fact, getting enough sleep can help keep your immune system running smoothly, improve your mood, help you retain information for exams and more.
If you鈥檙e struggling to get into a good sleep routine, here are some tips that can help:
Check out more tips to help you optimize your sleep schedule.
Did you know that about one in five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? These types of infections are common in young adults and can pass from person to person through sexual activities like oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen.
Common STIs include human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV), among others.
If you plan to be sexually active, here are some tips to follow:
If you or a partner ends up contracting an STI, it鈥檚 important to know that most types of STIs are treatable, and Medical Services offers a variety of testing and treatment options. Free at-home test kits are also available through a partnership through the . Find more information about what to do after unprotected sex and how to keep yourself safe in the future.
College campuses are crawling with germs and viruses. This is because students often live in close quarters, attend social gatherings and may have larger classes. Some of the most common seasonal illnesses to watch out for include the common cold, flu and COVID.
Avoid getting sick this year by:
If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when possible and opt to wear a mask. It鈥檚 important to know that viral infections like the common cold can鈥檛 be treated by a doctor. In these cases, you can use at-home remedies like cough drops, herbal tea, honey sticks for a sore throat and other self-care tactics. Pick up free wellness supplies at the Wellness Suite in Wardenburg Health Center or get them delivered to your residence hall for free in a Buff Box.
If you鈥檙e experiencing more severe symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing, it鈥檚 probably best to make an appointment with Medical Services. Students can also access care after-hours, on the weekends and during breaks through AcademicLiveCare.
Proximity with a lot of other people can lead to more than just seasonal illnesses. This is especially true for those living in residence halls or high-occupancy housing units. In fact, college students are at increased risk of contracting meningitis.
Meningitis is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, infection of the brain and spinal cord.
The best way to prevent the spread of meningitis is to get the Meningitis (Men-ACWY) vaccine. If you鈥檙e not already vaccinated, you can schedule a vaccine appointment with Medical Services.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Medical Services to be evaluated. It鈥檚 important to catch meningitis infections early to reduce the chances of spreading it to others and prevent serious nerve or brain damage. If you are experiencing symptoms after-hours, please go to an urgent care facility near you.
Even though 93% of CU Students support choosing not to drink at parties, college can come with unspoken expectations around partying, drinking and substance use.
Students may choose to use substances to cope with mental health issues, manage stress, improve their energy, catch up on assignments, ease social anxiety and more. However, substances can also cause students to have unwanted experiences, such as worsening mental health issues, poor grades, reduced learning or performance, legal challenges, risky decisions or behaviors, accidents and reliance on unhealthy coping methods, among others. In some cases, substance use may result in increased emergency room visits, accidents, alcohol poisoning, overdoses, addiction and long-term health effects.
If you鈥檙e interested in exploring or changing your relationship with substances, you can schedule a Buffs Discuss Substance Use session. These sessions are run by trained undergraduate peer facilitators who can empower students to gain deeper understanding and be intentional about substance use. If you prefer to work with a professional staff member, check out the free and non-judgmental Exploring Substance Use Workshop.
CU 麻豆影院 also has programs to help students who are in recovery or seeking recovery from a variety of unhealthy behaviors, including substance use. Health Promotion offers free support for quitting nicotine, including quit kits, coaching and more. Additionally, the Collegiate Recovery Community offers free peer support, weekly meetings and social events for students in recovery or interested in recovery from a variety of substances and other unwanted behaviors.
Students can pick up free naloxone or fentanyl test strips on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center or by ordering a Safer Night Out Buff Box.
There are a variety of things that can trigger changes in our eating patterns. In some cases, these changes are temporary, for instance forgetting to eat lunch while studying for an exam. However, significant changes can lead to more serious or long-term eating concerns, such as disordered eating behaviors or eating disorders.
For many students, college may be the first time that you have had the freedom or responsibility for deciding when, what and how to eat. This, on top of other stressors in college, can sometimes cause anxiety, especially for those who aren鈥檛 sure what food choices to make. Anxiety around food can also be compounded by things like cultural beauty standards, body image and comparing your body with those around you.
Here are some factors that can lead to unhealthy eating patterns:
If you feel lost when it comes to food or want to improve your relationship with food or exercise, there are resources on campus that can help.
Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to learn about intuitive eating, adequate food intake and ways to overcome food rules or restrictions. Appointment options range from free screenings to ongoing sessions.
The CUCRC provides a free Food and Body Image support meeting every week. This drop-in meeting is a great place to build community and work with others who are in recovery from unhealthy relationships with food and body image.
The Basic Needs Center has an on-campus food pantry that supports all undergraduate and graduate students experiencing food insecurity. Simply complete a client intake form online and schedule an appointment to stop by once per week to select grocery items.
Participating in regular movement (i.e., physical activity or exercise) has proven benefits for both our minds and bodies. Here are some tools to help you move your body in a safe and healthy way.
The Basic Needs Center is available to help students enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides supplementary funds to help qualifying individuals and families access nutritious food.
Campus Dining Services strives to meet the dietary needs of our community through access to food options that are allergen-free, halal, kosher, vegan and vegetarian. If you need support navigating food options on campus, you can work one-on-one with our registered dietitian nutritionist.
Exploring your sexuality and relationships is a normal part of college life and young adulthood. Making new friends, forming and maintaining long-term relationships, dating and hooking up require us to set boundaries, communicate openly, build trust and find support when we need it.
It's also important to recognize when a relationship that feels uncomfortable, unhealthy or downright harmful. These characteristics can show up in a variety of ways, including when our boundaries are not respected, issues with trust or breakdowns in connection or communication.
If you notice a friend seems more unhappy than not in their relationship or they express feeling unsafe with a partner, this is a good opportunity to offer care and support.
The Office of Victim Assistance is a great resource that can help students recognize and seek support for:
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) also offers free sexual relationships and consent workshops to help students explore boundary-setting, sexual decision-making, consent and the impact of alcohol on sex.
Accidents happen, especially in college. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important to take precautions to avoid serious injuries on and off campus. Here are some tips you can use to stay safe.
Biking, skateboarding, walking and scootering
Outdoor recreation
Driving
If you get injured or are involved in an accident, there are a variety of support services you can use on campus.
Medical Services provides injury care services, including x-rays. They can also help refer you to community services if you need more intense rehabilitation.
The PTIC office provides a variety of services to students, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage to help address injuries, pain and other concerns.
RICC provides free services to patrons and guests of the Rec Center including first aid, baseline concussion testing, injury prevention services and athletic training services.
If you need after-hours support for medical or urgent care needs, AcademicLiveCare offers free, on-demand virtual appointments for all students.
Health issues are more common than you may think, especially among college students. Here are some you may experience in college and what you can do about them.Acupuncture can be a great way to address a variety of health concerns. Here are a few things to know if you鈥檙e curious about trying acupuncture for yourself.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back more than 4,000 years. Acupuncture works by using fine, hair-like needles to target acupressure points along the body (don鈥檛 worry, it sounds scarier than it is). These needles help to stimulate your body鈥檚 own healing mechanisms to improve your health and well-being.
The traditional philosophy behind acupuncture is that it can help the flow of Qi, or life force energy. It is believed that Qi flows through 14 main pathways, also known as meridians, along the body. Lifestyle choices, like diet, exercise, injury, stress and other factors are believed to disrupt the flow of Qi, causing imbalances that can result in a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Using acupuncture specific points of the body is thought to help restore the flow of Qi and improve well-being.
Research from the National Institute of Health has shown that acupuncture can be helpful in treating a variety of ailments, including:
Like acupuncture, acupressure is believed to increase the flow of Qi and rebalance the body鈥檚 natural systems of wellness. However, acupressure can be done without the use of needles. Instead, pressure is applied along the meridian lines of the body. This can be a great option for those who may be concerned about needles or would prefer a non-invasive form of traditional medicine.
Medical Services provides acupuncture and acupressure services for students, staff and faculty on campus. Here are few things you can expect during your appointment.
Individual acupuncture
Individual acupuncture appointments are a great way to get personalized care and address specific health needs. During these sessions, an acupuncturist will review your medical history and discuss your specific concerns in order to create a personalized treatment plan. Acupuncture is placed at various points and treatments typically last 60 minutes. You can also opt to have ear seeds placed instead of needles. For the most effective treatment, we recommend making a weekly or biweekly appointment.
Group acupuncture
Group acupuncture sessions are available at a discounted rate. During these sessions, participants will receive auricular acupuncture that involves using needles or 鈥榮eeds鈥� around your ear. This kind of treatment can help reduce stress, anxiety, burnout and symptoms of addiction. Group sessions typically last 30 to 40 minutes.
Acupuncture and mindfulness workshops
Medical Services offers a blended workshop that focuses on effective mindfulness and meditation practices followed by a group acupressure or acupuncture session. These workshops are intended to help teams and small groups improve their emotional and physical well-being. Workshop dates are available throughout the year. Sessions are customized to individual groups, and treatment length may vary depending on needs.
Working and studying from home can take a toll on our bodies. Hunching over our laptops, sitting in the same spot for hours, staring at our screens or making do with a less-than-ideal setup can all contribute to neck and back pain.
Here are 4 tips from our physical therapists at Medical Services to help you reduce aches and pain, or help you avoid them altogether.
Sitting for long periods of time is associated with negative health effects. The Physical Therapy and Integrative Care team at Medical Services recommend moving throughout the day and avoiding sitting for more than 2 hours at a time.
Make a healthy habit of getting up and moving around for at least an hour or two during the day. You can do this by breaking up your time into short breaks. For instance, if you鈥檝e been sitting at your desk for an hour, take a 15 minute break to stretch, walk around or do simple exercises. The Rec Center has a playlist of you can do to break up your schedule and help you ease tension.
You can also work movement into your daily activities by going for a walk while you talk on the phone, taking the stairs instead of the elevator if possible or using an exercise ball instead of a normal desk chair.
Pain and stress are located in similar areas in the brain. Working to decrease your stress can also help decrease your pain.
Dr. Annie Sirotniak, DPT, a physical therapist at Medical Service advises that 鈥渄eep breathing exercises can help calm our nervous system down from 鈥榝ight-flight-or-freeze鈥� mode into a more relaxed 鈥榬est and digest鈥� state鈥�. To get started with deep breathing, find a place where you鈥檙e comfortable and take a few minutes to focus your attention on breathing slowly and deeply. Try to breathe in from your nose on a count of 3, pause briefly, then exhale on a count of 4.
As you continue to breathe deeply, notice how your body shifts. Are your shoulders more relaxed? Has the tension subsided? Continue to practice breathing until you notice your body move into a more relaxed state.
Supporting your lower back (lumbar) can help alleviate pain associated with sitting for long periods at home or school. Dr. Winter Ball, DPT, teaches his patients to 鈥減lace a small rolled up blanket or towel between your lower back and the chair backrest鈥�.
Another method he recommends is to place a towel roll under your tailbone. This will tilt the top of your pelvis towards your thighs and allow the back to relax in a comfortable position. This position can also help soothe your shoulders and neck when working at a computer.
Whether you sit at a desk, on the couch or in bed to work or study, there are ways to make your setup more comfortable and ergonomic. If you use a laptop, try propping it up so that the screen is at eye level. If your screen is too high or too low, it can impact your posture and lead to neck or back pain, especially after long periods of time.
If possible, it can also be helpful to use a separate keyboard and mouse so that your shoulders, elbows and wrists can work in a comfortable position. If this isn鈥檛 possible, experiment with where you work and what is most comfortable. For instance, if you typically work at the coffee table, try moving your workstation to a different table, desk or counter. You may notice that you can work more comfortably on different surfaces.
When it鈥檚 finally time to sign off of Zoom, many of us escape to our phones, which may be causing additional neck or back pain. To avoid this, try to hold your phone up to eye level more frequently instead of peering down at it. This can help lessen irritation in your neck.
If you are experiencing prolonged or worsening pain or need help in tweaking your desk set up, it may be time to see a physical therapist. Medical Services offers physical therapy appointments to students in person and virtually through telehealth. Learn more about physical therapy services.
Working and studying from home can take a toll on our bodies. Here are 4 tips from our physical therapists at Medical Services to help you reduce aches and pain, or help you avoid them altogether.Summer is just around the corner. That means you鈥檒l have more opportunities to get outdoors, soak up some vitamin D and get active. Follow these tips to maximize your Colorado summer.
300 days of sunshine combined with high altitudes make Colorado a great spot to catch a sunburn. Minimize the risks while still enjoying our especially great outdoors with these guidelines:
With plenty of designated lanes and trails, 麻豆影院 is the perfect place to log some miles on your bike. Whether you鈥檙e commuting to work, stopping by the farmer鈥檚 market, or heading up to Chautauqua, keep these tips in mind:
Rocky Mountain National Park is right in our backyard, and there's no better way to explore it than with a camping trip. Whether you鈥檙e staying local or heading out of town, here鈥檚 what we recommend:
If you have any questions about summer health, make an appointment with CU 麻豆影院 Medical Services. This can be done online at or by calling the Medical Clinic at 303-492-5432.
Summer is just around the corner. That means you鈥檒l have more opportunities to get outdoors, soak up some vitamin D and get active. Follow these tips to maximize your Colorado summer.Make the most out of your time at CU! Studies have shown that physical activity, in any form, helps to relieve stress and improve cognitive function. So keep reading, visit the Recreation Services website and follow-us on social media! We want to help you Find Your Fit, feel good in your body, have fun and get the most out of your unique college experience.
While we can鈥檛 avoid stress, we can alleviate it before it wreaks havoc on our minds and bodies. Here are a few of the ways that you can relieve stress, while having fun with friends and finding your fit:
If you鈥檙e looking to meet other like minded people, The Rec is the place to be. Find your community at CU through sports, outdoor adventures, a new job or at our fun and free events like International Climbing Night, LGBTQ Swim Night and more!
Do you have a competitive streak? You鈥檙e not the only one! Join a competitive or recreational sports team, or enter a competition. We have opportunities for you to shine all year round.
College is a time of exploration, triumph, learning and fun; but we know that it is not without its challenges and pitfalls. This is why we are committed to providing opportunities to help you find your center, foster positive body image, build healthy habits and do what makes you feel physically, mentally and emotionally well.
The antidote to boredom and stagnation is variety! Explore the beautiful Front Range, develop a new skill, try a new workout, learn from an expert or just play. Whatever you choose to do, we hope that you鈥檒l take advantage of the amazing and wildly diverse opportunities at The Rec.
Are you ready for the best part? YOU鈥橰E A MEMBER! All full-fee paying undergraduate students are automatically members of The Rec. All you need is your Buff OneCard.
Whether it鈥檚 a sport, an instrument, lifting weights or going on a hike, being in tune with our bodies can help us perform better. Annie Sirotniak, a physical therapist at Wardenburg Health Services, offers tips on how to make sure we鈥檙e performing at our best and prevent injuries along the way.
A good skill to practice is being mindful of what our bodies are telling us. By tuning in to how we feel, we can be more aware of when we might be pushing too hard or when we need a break. Is something feeling off when you鈥檙e on the track? Take a few minutes to stretch and see if that helps. Do you feel a twinge while lifting weights? Try having a friend look at your form and help you adjust if needed.
Practicing mindfulness isn鈥檛 reserved for when we鈥檙e being active, either. Even something as simple as being mindful of sitting up straight, doing breathing exercises or stretching our necks can be helpful to prevent neck and back pain.
There are steps we can take before, during and after an activity to make sure we鈥檙e primed for peak performance.
In general, if you have a strain or pain, resting and taking pressure off of the area is a good first step. The PRICE/RICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) technique can be helpful for a swollen ankle or knee.
If the pain isn鈥檛 getting better, the swelling continues, or if you鈥檙e struggling with returning to the activity, it鈥檚 time to consult with a medical provider or physical therapist to figure out what鈥檚 really going on. Taking time off and resting is a good start, but getting to the 鈥渨hy鈥� is important to prevent an injury in the future.
Wardenburg Health Services offers a Musculoskeletal Injury 鈥淢SK鈥� Clinic, which is free for CU students. There, a physical therapist provides screenings for minor injuries involving muscles and joints and gives recommendations for injury prevention and self-care. MSK is available at Wardenburg Health Center and at the Rec Center on a walk-in basis during designated hours.
There is also an athletic trainer at The Rec who can provide injury evaluations, emergency care and provide proper rehabilitative advice for existing injuries and injury prevention.
Annie has been working at Wardenburg Physical Therapy and Integrative Care for 23 years. She got her master鈥檚 and doctoral degree in physical therapy from CU Denver, and became an orthopedic clinical specialist in 2010. Prior to her career in physical therapy, she was a professional bike racer, and former CU Women鈥檚 Cycling team coach. Annie enjoys working with CU students of all ages and with all backgrounds 鈥� from musician to graduate student/lab worker to club sport athlete. She is an avid musician and multi-instrumentalist in bluegrass and traditional Irish music genres, and is involved in music promotion and production in Lyons CO.
Whether it鈥檚 a sport, an instrument, lifting weights or going on a hike, being in tune with our bodies can help us perform better.